My appointment was scheduled for 12:30. We picked Eden up from school a little early & Greg drove me to Fu’s Custom Tattoo. We spent about 30 minutes waiting for my tattoo artist, Christian, to make the final draft of my tattoo. I was a little nervous and excited at the same time. It was finally time to put the stencil on, make sure it was in the right place and it was the right size, then Christian went to work.
It took about an hour. Greg took Eden home right when it started then Karrie came and sat with me to distract me from the pain. It’s always nice to have a distraction, whether it’s a friend or your iPod. One of the first questions people (who don’t have tattoos) ask when they see you have a tattoo is, “Did it hurt?” The answer is YES. Tiny needles are piercing your skin, over and over again. Yes, it hurts. You learn to manage the pain as it’s being done, and having a distraction is a huge help. Then once the artist is done, you’re rewarded with a one-of-a-kind piece of art. I love it. Let me tell you more about this design.

Two of things that feed my soul: sunset & winter trees. Put them together and it’s just dreamy. A winter tree ~ bare, maybe a few leaves hanging onto to it or some seed pods. It’s facing the tough season of winter. The season that will reveal whether or not the nourishment and time it took care of itself during the warm, growing months of spring and summer can withstand the harshness of winter. Did you catch the spiritual parallel? How will I handle the winter seasons of my life, when I’m stripped down to a few leaves? How strong are my roots? How will I handle it if the winter winds and weather break off a few of my branches?

Have you ever noticed a tree in the foreground of an amazing sunset? The tree takes a back seat to it’s grand display of colors and warmth. But at the same time, they enhance each other. The silhouette of the winter tree against a sunset is just beautiful to me. It reminds me of my relationship with God ~ I’m the tree, He’s the beautiful sunset. Even if I’m struggling during a winter season of life, God is always there to make my surroundings radiant ~ if I take the time to notice.

So, are you thinking about getting a tattoo? Take your time! I was 33 when I got my first one. Think about the design you want to have. Ask friends where they had theirs done and if they have a favorite tattoo artist. When you meet the artist, look through their portfolio to see if you like the designs that they’ve done in the past. Look for inspiration in the creation around you, or draw a sketch yourself, or search around on Pinterest for some ideas! Spend time & ponder. There is no rush!

Do you have a tattoo? Tell me about it.

There are over 650 31 Dayers! Amazing! Here are a few more that I’m looking forward to reading:
~ 31 Days to an Artful Event
~ 31 Days of Small but Grand
~ 31 Days of Rebuilding Your House & Heart

I hope you come back tomorrow to see what’s featured next in my 31 Days of Our Lives ~ he’s one HOT fella!